humility

Clothed in Humility

The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away 1 Peter 5:1-4

Clothed in Humility

Vital to the health and well-being of that church life is the role that the pastoral leaders play in it. They are the shepherds that God has appointed to lead His people, and teach them, and equip them, and protect them as they seek to stand faithful for the Lord Jesus. And the reason for the role of the shepherds is so that, when the Lord Jesus comes, He will be able to richly reward the faithfulness of His sheep.

But having said all that, Peter goes on to say;

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you (vv. 5-7).

When Peter says “Likewise . . .”, he’s still talking about the way that the church family is to function in times of trial. He had called the pastors to be faithful in their conduct toward the people of God; and now he “likewise” calls the rest of the church family to be faithful in their conduct toward each other.

And we’re to be “clothed with humility”. That’s what we’re to be wearing to church. This isn’t just important in times of trial and difficulty, but always. But it’s especially important—particularly strategic—that we be ‘clothed with humility’ toward one another during these difficult times in which it is culturally hard to be a follower of Jesus.

In other words, we are to be clothed with humility in the household of faith. ‘Humility’ is the proper attire for church life!

God, help me to walk in submission to you and with humility and grace toward my whole church family.

In Luke 5, we read about Jesus feasting with a group of tax collectors and other people who were obvious sinners. The Pharisees and scribes grumbled and complained that Jesus was hanging out with such people. They asked why. Jesus answered them,

Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have come not to call the righteous, but the sinners to repentance. Luke 5:31

So, Jesus makes it clear by his answer that he cannot serve those who walk in a spirit of pride–those who consider themselves righteous and those who cannot recognize their need for grace and forgiveness. If we consider ourselves well, then why call the doctor? It’s when I become aware of my own weakness and vulnerability, that I am in a position to receive healing.

Jesus tells us to take a submissive position and acknowledges our need for help. That’s true humility.

“That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’” James 4:6

It’s humbling to visit the doctor and hear that I am overweight or out of shape or that I have high blood pressure, but I am wise to submit myself to the wisdom of my physician. It’s tempting to become self-righteous and think, “What does that doctor know. I can take care of myself!” But this kind of prideful thinking will only make me more sick or unhealthy. How much better it is to admit my weakness and change my habits.

Lord, forgive me for an attitude of self-righteousness. I want to remain humble and aware of my need for You. I never want to take the position that I don’t need the healing and expert care that You provide.

Seeking my Doctor’s care,

Amy
Women’s Ministry

Seeking the Doctor’s Care July 9th, 2016admin

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New Life Church Santa Barbara. We are a Santa Barbara Foursquare Church that cares for the people in our city and around the world. Join us for one of our gatherings. We passionately pursue God, and love His people. Our services are open to anyone, whether Jesus is your best friend, or someone you haven’t met yet. We invite you to contact us and also to join us every Sunday at 9:30 am at the Breakfast Table and at 10:30am for our Worship service.